John Edward Slaton, 63, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy.  Celebration of Life Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 27, 2026, at First Open Bible Church, with doors opening at 10am for visitation.  Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre are in charge of arrangements.

John a devoted husband, dad, brother and papa, was born October 20, 1962, in Covington Kentucky, the son of Vernon Earl and Dorothy Mae (Crutchleo) Slaton. He graduated from Prairie High School in Cedar Rapids, IA. John was united in marriage for 36 years to Chris (Leaven) Slaton. He worked for over 40 years as backhoe operator and owner at Earl's Backhoe. He enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids, taking drives with Chris and his family, watching construction projects, making models of different cars and trucks, 3D printing and many other retirement hobbies, John's whole world was his family and we will miss him terribly.

John is survived by his wife Chris; children Libby (Slaton) Taylor and husband Jared Taylor of Cedar Rapids, CJ Slaton of Cedar Rapids; and his beloved grandchildren Terrell, Catalina, Myles and Harper; his siblings Carol Crooks of Anamosa, Deb and Jim Baker of Cedar Rapids, and Vern Slaton Jr. of Cedar Rapids, as well as many loved nieces and nephews. Also his dogs Ollie and Bindi Sue.

He was preceded in death by his parents Vernon Earl Slaton and Dorothy Slaton and many other greatly missed family members.